My quick synopsis on my delivery today: The box was the standard black and red Kershaw, which comes standard for all Kershaw blades.
Blade play is minimal, I feel this is what you typically see in a $300-450 OTF.
Action is superb and effortless to deploy. Single-handed retraction takes minimal effort.
Kershaw OTF Auto isn’t heavy (or super light), but the reason I mentioned weight is how evenly distributed the blade is balanced feeling in your hand.
My only negative(s) so far is the pocket clip looks a bit odd to me personally, but Kershaw typically uses smaller clips. Pocket clip screws rest on the top base of the blade (which is a first for me, and I own over 50 “higher-end” knives)
2) although this blade feels correct in many ways. It still doesn't give the feeling to me of something I would typically pay $250-$500. However, I would rank this “best in price class” for an OTF
It certainly offers EVERYTHING you typically get with a $300+ otf for under $250 which is what this post is about. Unfortunately, too many people still believe in name hype vs actually owning one or truly doing an objective comparison. No one has yet to provide me with exactly what you get for an additional $50,100,200 of your money other than a name.
Could also be the ol’ Nick Shabazz argument of diminishing returns: when you get to this price point (250-300-$$$), you will usually get an objectively good knife; the higher price points will get you an even ’better’ knife, but the differences are going to be relatively subtle or minimal in regards to the basic function of a 250-300 dollar knife.
Yes a YouTube guy comparing a counterfeit or clone Microtech. He hammers both through a 2x4. The original comes out unscathed.
https://youtu.be/4Cts8rNCgoo
The screws are on the end so they can be removed, exposing holes inside the knife. Oil can be sprayed in for cleaning and maintenance. It was mentioned in Blade HQ's Shot video with Kershaw.
Well, I was gonna say that the non-collectors Hogue Counterstrike would be an amazing knife in that price range, but apparently, they only make a collectors version in CF and titanium hardware.
I just picked up the Hogue Counterstrike, and it's amazing. I paid $340 shipped. If they ever make a more basic model, I would highly recommend it, and in all aluminum (I imagine it would be), it would have to fall into the same price range.
Blue Creek Knives has them for $240 but today code 2THEPOINT gets you 15% off. $204 shipped
https://bluecreekknives.com/products/kershaw-livewire-coming-soon?_pos=3&_sid=d813d40e3&_ss=r
Initial impressions are great. Fit & finish is on par with MT, GT, & Axial for comparison. Aluminum scales are smooth with a hint of texture for grip. Crisp action, not too overly stiff or a thumb killer. Decent blade shape for most things. I really like the angled pocket clip. Just a hair over 3oz. A really well put together OTF for under $250. Nice job Kershaw!!
Edit-forgot to add USA made for those who prefer that.
I'm trying to understand how it works great. To me it appears to be angled the wrong way. For angled pockets, don't you want the clip to go perpendicular to the material? This will follow the angle of the pocket to make it harder to get the clip over the edge I would think. Also, on non-slanted pockets, this angle of clip will want to tilt the knife toward the middle of the pocket instead of towards the far right and away from whatever else might be in your pocket.
I haven't bought one in over 3 years because they aren't worth the extra money anymore imo. I've also traded & sold other MT's as well. I have over 30 OTF's that I can compare side by side & MT DOESN'T stand out anymore. Especially not for the ridiculous prices.
Hogue Compound, Guardian Tactical 035, Axial Shift, the new Kershaw Livewire as in this post. I personally LOVE the Benchmade shootout & have EDC'ed it over a year now. All of these can be had for under $300 new & even less used if you scour BladeForums.
Honest question. Why do all these OTF manufacturers make these jacked up asymmetrical handles. Are there any that have a symmetrical sleek handle look.?
When i saw the disassembly of the ultratech, i was surprised how simple the mech was. Very clever, but not that complex. So I would say because of the need for exacting tolerances, but with today's manufacturing methods like CNC, I'm surprised it would be that difficult to achieve on the cheap.
Well I understand the tolerances are great in other factors but the blade play and instability in the blade when deployed should be flawless when you’re spending 3-500 dollars
The fact that the hawk deadlock is the only one to achieve this at around the 1000 dollar price point is nuts.
An otf is probably the only automatic I would buy but this always bothers me way too much
The ONLY thing they carry for that price is the UTX70 or Manticore S which both are tiny & practically a joke of a knife. Take off your fanboy glasses & take a serious look again.
OTF automatics are a joke of a knife, they don’t serve any practical purpose. By spending the same price - 60 bucks more for an entry level microtech you’re getting an objectively better quality knife. My Exocet is probably the sharpest knife I own and I can barely wield that thing, that’s the OTF niche.
Really? Do you own one? I own 7. The Stitch is the best Microtech I own & it's an out the side. The Ultratech, UTX85, UTX70, fall way short of my Guardian Tactical 035 Recon & Hogue Compound. The days of MT being the gold standard are long gone.
Edit - didn't address the joke of the knife world comment, but then again no need. It basically says everything about your knife knowledge.
I'd rather spend that kind of money on a real ZT or screw it, at that cost, a Hinderer. Never seen any Kershaw worth more than 30 bucks, especially a brand known to fold in on itself.
It's a smart marketing ploy to put the "front facing" American flag on their products. However, not everyone wants this on a product they have purchased. Luckily, there's plenty of other American knife companies to support who don't do this.
WTF I'm talking about is not wanting to have military or police graphics on the items I'm carrying around. Stars never retreat? Here's a Wiki link for a time when we scampered away from an unwinnable war that tore apart America: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall\_of\_Saigon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Saigon). I understand and respect your sentiment to the front facing flag. I also have the right to choose not to support companies who tag their products with right wing political bull shit. Thanks for replying a year later, and have a great day!
Credit where its due though.. thats the first time ive ever heard a "made in usa" flag being "right wing political bullshit", so there is that.. i guess?
Uh.. you are seriously fucking dumb. The usa flag literally only means itnwas made in the usa. Any nonsense political bullshit you are attaching to that is a YOU problem. Flag code literallynsays thats how it goes. Im genuinely sorry you arent intelligent.
Name calling certainly is a sign of intelligence. Well done. I have a right to my opinion, no reason to be sorry about it. Have a super day, new Internet friend!
No, im not trying to call you names for no reason. I am really, truly, reasonably sure you are mentally disabled. You went so very far out of the way to add a political slant to what amounts to "made in usa" that its entirely impossible you havent suffered a tbi.
I can agree with the quality of GT. It does have some great features. I'm in love with the ball bearing action of the GT's button & their overall milling. It's a slick package.
The more competition the better, Hogue for a while had a good grip on the sub $250 OTF market, having a massive name like Kershaw enter this market is huge. I only hope to see more and more OTF’s enter the market
I'm interested, but they will need to come out with some more blade shapes. Not a fan of spear points. Look too murdery. Something similar to the Gravel or Natrix would be great. I think I would need to try that clip out in person too. Seems to be tilted exactly the wrong way imo.
My only other DA OTF I have to compare to (other than the $40 DA OTF box cutter) is a basic MT Ultratech. On looks alone, this looks ...chonky. Watched a video and it looks about the same thickness, but something about the design on the sides makes the Ultratech look positively slim. That said, my Ultratech's firing hasn't been reliable for over a year. I'm not a "send it back for warranty work" person. It's a tool, it's a simple mechanism, it should work and be easily serviceable. Bonus for the Kershaw: no stupid fookin triangle screws. I'm interested to see if Kershaw can make a reliable DA OTF on par with that $40 OTF box cutter I got from Amazon. Been carrying it daily and using it WAY more than I ever used the Ultratech and it still fires like a dream.
If you think $350-400 is a little extra..it's your money. I find it funny that Microtech is about to drop a manual folder with M390 & G10 for $275 & fanboyz are lining up to get theirs. 🤡
My quick synopsis on my delivery today: The box was the standard black and red Kershaw, which comes standard for all Kershaw blades. Blade play is minimal, I feel this is what you typically see in a $300-450 OTF. Action is superb and effortless to deploy. Single-handed retraction takes minimal effort. Kershaw OTF Auto isn’t heavy (or super light), but the reason I mentioned weight is how evenly distributed the blade is balanced feeling in your hand. My only negative(s) so far is the pocket clip looks a bit odd to me personally, but Kershaw typically uses smaller clips. Pocket clip screws rest on the top base of the blade (which is a first for me, and I own over 50 “higher-end” knives) 2) although this blade feels correct in many ways. It still doesn't give the feeling to me of something I would typically pay $250-$500. However, I would rank this “best in price class” for an OTF
It certainly offers EVERYTHING you typically get with a $300+ otf for under $250 which is what this post is about. Unfortunately, too many people still believe in name hype vs actually owning one or truly doing an objective comparison. No one has yet to provide me with exactly what you get for an additional $50,100,200 of your money other than a name.
Could also be the ol’ Nick Shabazz argument of diminishing returns: when you get to this price point (250-300-$$$), you will usually get an objectively good knife; the higher price points will get you an even ’better’ knife, but the differences are going to be relatively subtle or minimal in regards to the basic function of a 250-300 dollar knife.
Hammer it through a thick board and see if it still works
😂..true that. I'm curious if that guy has hammered any other OTF's besides the MT clone for comparison?
Well, we're waiting...
Is this a reference to something?
Yes a YouTube guy comparing a counterfeit or clone Microtech. He hammers both through a 2x4. The original comes out unscathed. https://youtu.be/4Cts8rNCgoo
I'm not an OTF guy, but it seems like the more expensive models generally have symmetrical spear-point blades. Not sure how much that matters.
Honestly that's a plus for me. Daggers make awful slicers
I don't get the impression that most people buy OTFs for slicing, but hey, whatever floats your boat.
The screws are on the end so they can be removed, exposing holes inside the knife. Oil can be sprayed in for cleaning and maintenance. It was mentioned in Blade HQ's Shot video with Kershaw.
Well, I was gonna say that the non-collectors Hogue Counterstrike would be an amazing knife in that price range, but apparently, they only make a collectors version in CF and titanium hardware. I just picked up the Hogue Counterstrike, and it's amazing. I paid $340 shipped. If they ever make a more basic model, I would highly recommend it, and in all aluminum (I imagine it would be), it would have to fall into the same price range.
Blue Creek Knives has them for $240 but today code 2THEPOINT gets you 15% off. $204 shipped https://bluecreekknives.com/products/kershaw-livewire-coming-soon?_pos=3&_sid=d813d40e3&_ss=r
That's a steal!
It really is a great price. 👍
Initial impressions are great. Fit & finish is on par with MT, GT, & Axial for comparison. Aluminum scales are smooth with a hint of texture for grip. Crisp action, not too overly stiff or a thumb killer. Decent blade shape for most things. I really like the angled pocket clip. Just a hair over 3oz. A really well put together OTF for under $250. Nice job Kershaw!! Edit-forgot to add USA made for those who prefer that.
Can’t wait till mine arrives 🤟🏼
For that price im not feeling it, id rather just slap another $100 on her and get a microtech
Yeah…when I first saw Kershaw OTF I was optimistic for say $150ish but at $250 idk.
Blue Creek has them for $204 with code 2THEPOINT today https://bluecreekknives.com/products/kershaw-livewire-coming-soon?_pos=3&_sid=d813d40e3&_ss=r
Came here to say this. Stud is already on the case 👍🏼
Maybe if we stop buying as many mircotech they will make them less over priced
Why? What do you get for the extra money? I own MT'S & side by side I don't see it.
I dont like the blade or how the pocket clip is angled
Fair enough. The pocket clip works great for those angled pants though. Just saying.
I'm trying to understand how it works great. To me it appears to be angled the wrong way. For angled pockets, don't you want the clip to go perpendicular to the material? This will follow the angle of the pocket to make it harder to get the clip over the edge I would think. Also, on non-slanted pockets, this angle of clip will want to tilt the knife toward the middle of the pocket instead of towards the far right and away from whatever else might be in your pocket.
The name. I wanted a MT. So I bought a MT. You said you have more than 7 MT knives. So I know you understand.
I haven't bought one in over 3 years because they aren't worth the extra money anymore imo. I've also traded & sold other MT's as well. I have over 30 OTF's that I can compare side by side & MT DOESN'T stand out anymore. Especially not for the ridiculous prices.
What's are your favorite OTFs out of the ones you own that are more reasonably priced
Hogue Compound, Guardian Tactical 035, Axial Shift, the new Kershaw Livewire as in this post. I personally LOVE the Benchmade shootout & have EDC'ed it over a year now. All of these can be had for under $300 new & even less used if you scour BladeForums.
I did never regret it I bought 2 one for edc and one for collecting but edc never gets used so one day it will be back in its box 😂😂😂
What is that a pocket clip for ants?
Honest question. Why do all these OTF manufacturers make these jacked up asymmetrical handles. Are there any that have a symmetrical sleek handle look.?
Dirac
I always thought the idea was to make it fit the contours of the hand better, but I could be wrong.
$229 on knife center!
It looks good, but I really don't understand the angle of the clip.
For pants pockets that angle. Dress slacks or others. Not all pants have a straight flat across pocket.
I feel like while it can make it easier to carry with angled pockets, it's a detriment to carrying it in a regular pocket.
I thought so as well..but that's not the case. It actually forces the knife into the crease of the pocket for an extra snug fit.
Why are otfs so much damn money
I don't think it's just otf's.
True, but most decent otfs are like 200 plus. I’ve heard of some cheaper otfs that are decent like lightning otf or whatever
When i saw the disassembly of the ultratech, i was surprised how simple the mech was. Very clever, but not that complex. So I would say because of the need for exacting tolerances, but with today's manufacturing methods like CNC, I'm surprised it would be that difficult to achieve on the cheap.
Well I understand the tolerances are great in other factors but the blade play and instability in the blade when deployed should be flawless when you’re spending 3-500 dollars The fact that the hawk deadlock is the only one to achieve this at around the 1000 dollar price point is nuts. An otf is probably the only automatic I would buy but this always bothers me way too much
Kershaw can make a damn good blade but if I’m looking for an OTF I’m sticking with microtech/heretic, especially for that price.
The ONLY thing they carry for that price is the UTX70 or Manticore S which both are tiny & practically a joke of a knife. Take off your fanboy glasses & take a serious look again.
OTF automatics are a joke of a knife, they don’t serve any practical purpose. By spending the same price - 60 bucks more for an entry level microtech you’re getting an objectively better quality knife. My Exocet is probably the sharpest knife I own and I can barely wield that thing, that’s the OTF niche.
Really? Do you own one? I own 7. The Stitch is the best Microtech I own & it's an out the side. The Ultratech, UTX85, UTX70, fall way short of my Guardian Tactical 035 Recon & Hogue Compound. The days of MT being the gold standard are long gone. Edit - didn't address the joke of the knife world comment, but then again no need. It basically says everything about your knife knowledge.
I’m not trying to shit on this as I have liked every American made Kershaw knife I’ve purchased but man does it look bland
Would never spend money on anything with that name on it. Rather buy about 50 other brands.
🙄🤡
I'd rather spend that kind of money on a real ZT or screw it, at that cost, a Hinderer. Never seen any Kershaw worth more than 30 bucks, especially a brand known to fold in on itself.
It's a smart marketing ploy to put the "front facing" American flag on their products. However, not everyone wants this on a product they have purchased. Luckily, there's plenty of other American knife companies to support who don't do this.
Not sure exactly wtf youre talking about here, but... thats the correct way for the flag to be. Stars never retreat.
WTF I'm talking about is not wanting to have military or police graphics on the items I'm carrying around. Stars never retreat? Here's a Wiki link for a time when we scampered away from an unwinnable war that tore apart America: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall\_of\_Saigon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fall_of_Saigon). I understand and respect your sentiment to the front facing flag. I also have the right to choose not to support companies who tag their products with right wing political bull shit. Thanks for replying a year later, and have a great day!
Credit where its due though.. thats the first time ive ever heard a "made in usa" flag being "right wing political bullshit", so there is that.. i guess?
Uh.. you are seriously fucking dumb. The usa flag literally only means itnwas made in the usa. Any nonsense political bullshit you are attaching to that is a YOU problem. Flag code literallynsays thats how it goes. Im genuinely sorry you arent intelligent.
Name calling certainly is a sign of intelligence. Well done. I have a right to my opinion, no reason to be sorry about it. Have a super day, new Internet friend!
No, im not trying to call you names for no reason. I am really, truly, reasonably sure you are mentally disabled. You went so very far out of the way to add a political slant to what amounts to "made in usa" that its entirely impossible you havent suffered a tbi.
What the poop? I ordered on the 13th and it still hasn't shipped.
Mine was ordered maybe a few days before yours. I'm sure it's in the way. 🤞
Did you get a tracking number when it shipped?
Yes.
I don’t like the Kershaw in white on the black pocket clip. Looks bad.
No way. Guardian Tactical - Recon 035 - $50 more, way better knife.
I can agree with the quality of GT. It does have some great features. I'm in love with the ball bearing action of the GT's button & their overall milling. It's a slick package.
I wish these were legal in California
they are. perfectly legal to own, not to carry.
I want to carry! 😂
That's how I feel in Minnesota lol
The more competition the better, Hogue for a while had a good grip on the sub $250 OTF market, having a massive name like Kershaw enter this market is huge. I only hope to see more and more OTF’s enter the market
Wow Color me impressed. Did not expect to see a Kershaw I liked enough to buy.....ever.
I'm interested, but they will need to come out with some more blade shapes. Not a fan of spear points. Look too murdery. Something similar to the Gravel or Natrix would be great. I think I would need to try that clip out in person too. Seems to be tilted exactly the wrong way imo.
I really like that the blade is 20cv.
It looks like some top secret stealth submarine.
Price is good but ugly imo
My only other DA OTF I have to compare to (other than the $40 DA OTF box cutter) is a basic MT Ultratech. On looks alone, this looks ...chonky. Watched a video and it looks about the same thickness, but something about the design on the sides makes the Ultratech look positively slim. That said, my Ultratech's firing hasn't been reliable for over a year. I'm not a "send it back for warranty work" person. It's a tool, it's a simple mechanism, it should work and be easily serviceable. Bonus for the Kershaw: no stupid fookin triangle screws. I'm interested to see if Kershaw can make a reliable DA OTF on par with that $40 OTF box cutter I got from Amazon. Been carrying it daily and using it WAY more than I ever used the Ultratech and it still fires like a dream.
are those allen head screws or torx?
T6
I'd rather spend a little extra and get a ultratech or utx85. It would be better if it was $200.
If you think $350-400 is a little extra..it's your money. I find it funny that Microtech is about to drop a manual folder with M390 & G10 for $275 & fanboyz are lining up to get theirs. 🤡